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Oil-Based Vanilla Cake

Oil-Based Vanilla Cake

  • Author: Charlotte
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 9-inch cakes or 24 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Oil-Based Vanilla Cake is a soft, moist, and tender cake made with pantry staples. Unlike butter-based cakes, this version stays moist for days, making it perfect for birthdays, layer cakes, or any celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and oil together until well combined.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

  • Use neutral oil like canola or sunflower for the best flavor.
  • To make cupcakes, divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • This cake pairs well with any frosting—try vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: oil vanilla cake, moist vanilla cake, easy vanilla cake recipe, soft vanilla cake, homemade layer cake